Oncology centers in Heidelberg (Page 1 of 1)

About Oral Cancer Treatment

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer where a tumor develops on the surface of the mouth, lips, tongue or gums. Oral cancer can also present in the salivary glands, tonsils and the pharynx although these are less common.

Types of mouth cancer include:

Squamous cell carcinoma: This is when cancer attacks the squamous cells found in the inside of the mouth.

Oral malignant melanoma: This is when cancer starts in melanocytes, cells which help give the skin its colour.

Adenocarcinomas: This is when cancer develops in the salivary glands.

Who is at risk of Oral Cancer?

Male people above the age of 50

People who smoke cigarettes, cigars or pies.

People who use smokeless tobacco

Excessive consumption of alcohol

A family history of cancer.

Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.

People infected with human papillomavirus

Can I reduce the risk of developing oral cancer?

The most effective ways to prevent mouth cancer from developing and preventing the recurrence after successful treatment include:

Rough spots, lumps, crusts, swellings, or eroded areas on the gums, lips, or other areas inside the mouth

The development of white or red patches in the mouth lining.

A feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue

A chronic sore throat and hoarseness.

Unexplained weight loss

Ear pain

Diagnosis

If you experience any symptoms that may indicate oral cancer, your dentist or doctor will examine the inside of your mouth and parts of your neck. Your doctor will ask you questions about your health and history of illnesses and dental problems. Be sure to tell your dentist or doctor if you use or even have used tobacco in any form.

The following tests may be done to diagnose if you have oral cancer and if so how far it has spread.

Treatment

Biopsy: A small tissue sample called a biopsy usually is taken. There are different types of biopsy which include: Brush biopsy or exfoliative cytology, incisional biopsy, a fine-needle-aspiration biopsy (FNA), mucosal staining and chemiluminescent light.

Surgery: The cancerous cells are surgically removed. Sometimes, some of the surrounding tissue is also removed. Surgery is usually recommended if the tumor is small and if surgery is likely to result in complete removal of cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy: Powerful medications are used to kill cancerous cells. Sometimes chemotherapy is used in conjunction with surgery.

Radiotherapy: High energy X-rays are used to kill cancerous cells. Radiotherapy can be combined with chemotherapy and surgery if the cancer is advanced.

Surgeries for oral cancers include:

Maxillectomy which can be done with or without orbital exenteration.

Mandibulectomy which is the removal of the mandible or lower jaw or part of it.

Glossectomy which is tongue removal. It can be partial, hemi or total.